Three More Added To Stampeder Roster

(Calgary) - Today, the Calgary Stampeder Football Club is pleased to announce the free agent signing of Defensive Lineman Shurron Pierson, Defensive Back Rob Andrews and Receiver J.R. Tolver.

Pierson was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round (129th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played in six games with the Raiders before being traded to the Chicago Bears. While with the Bears he would play in six games.

"Pierson is a former 4th round NFL draft pick whose skill sets are more suited for the CFL than the NFL," said General Manager Jim Barker. "His explosiveness and great speed give him the tools to compete for one of our defensive line positions."

Before joining the NFL Pierson attended the University of South Florida completing an outstanding college career. In two seasons at South Florida (2001-02) he recorded 72 tackles (35 solos), 21 tackles for loss, 17 QB pressures, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, 3 PBUs and a pair of blocked kicks in 22 career games played. He set a pair of school records with 18 sacks for a loss of 130 yards and his 21 TFLs rank fourth on the school's career record chart. He was named to the All-American Dream Team, Super Sleeper Team and All-Independent first team selection by The NFL Draft Report.

Andrews attended Hastings College showing tremendous athleticism and versatility over the past several seasons. In 2006 he started the season as the team\'s starting Quarterback completing 24 of 52 passes for three touchdowns. He also rushed the ball 46 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns on route to a 219 pass efficiency rating. However, his season was cut short due to injury.

"Rob is a great athlete who played quarterback in college and will be converting to the secondary," said General Manager Jim Barker.

In 2005, Andrews played at the Receiver position leading the team with 27 receptions for 469 yards (averaging 17.5) and one touchdown. He also saw time at quarterback, defensive back and on special teams returning 14 Kickoffs for 275 yards.

Tolver was drafted in the 5th Round (169th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He has spent the past four seasons in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys. Before joining the NFL, Tolver attended San Diego State University where he led the team in his final season with 128 catches for 1,785 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged an astounding 13.9 yards per catch and 137.3 receiving yards per game.

"J.R. is an NFL experienced wide receiver to add competition at a very strong position," said General Manager Jim Barker. "His combination of size, instincts and reliable hands make him an interesting prospect at this years training camp."

He also registered six rushes for 50 yards and a touchdown, led his team in points (86), played in the 2003 East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco and was invited to the Hula Bowl. Tolver was a unanimous selection to the all-Mountain West football team and was named to a pair of All-America teams. He was named MWC Football Player of the Week three times, the first after a 12 catch, 296 receiving yard performance against Arizona State (13th best receiving game in NCAA history).